A striking infrared image of Mars' southern hemisphere, captured by the Mars Odyssey spacecraft's THEMIS instrument. False-color representation shows temperatures ranging from 0°C (red) to -120°C (purple). The image highlights the shrinking south polar ice cap (frozen CO2) and the temperature drop into the Martian night. A thin blue crescent at the top represents the Martian atmosphere. The image is a test of the THEMIS camera system, taken from 22,000 km altitude.

Astronomy Picture from 02/11/2001

THEMIS of Mars

Source: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap011102.html


#MarsOdyssey #THEMIS #InfraredMars #MarsSouthPole #PlanetaryScience #SpaceExploration #NASA #MarsImage #ThermalImaging #RedPlanet

A stunning HiRISE image reveals the defrosting of Mars' south polar CO2 ice cap. Circular pits, approximately 60 meters across, are formed as the dry ice sublimates into gas, leaving behind intriguing, gold-rimmed features. The image shows the unique textures and patterns created by this seasonal process on the Martian surface.

Astronomy Picture from 26/09/2011

Dry Ice Pits on Mars

Source: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap110926.html


#MarsDefrosting #SpaceExploration #HiRISE #MarsSouthPole #CO2Ice #Sublimation #PlanetaryScience #RedPlanet #Astronomy #MarsReconnaissanceOrbiter

Topographical map of Mars' southern hemisphere created using data from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA). Color-coded elevation data shows highest points (white) in the Tharsis region and lowest (deep blues/purples) in the Hellas Basin. An ellipse indicates the Mars Polar Lander's targeted landing site near the South Pole. Image reveals Martian surface features without liquid water, highlighting the planet's geological history.

Astronomy Picture from 03/12/1999

Southern Mars

Source: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap991203.html


#MarsExploration #MOLA #MarsTopo #RedPlanet #SpaceExploration #NASA #MarsGlobalSurveyor #HellasBasin #PlanetaryScience #MarsSouthPole

Stunning HiRISE image of Martian South Pole's carbon dioxide ice cap defrosting. Circular pits, approximately 60 meters across, appear as they sublimate into gas, showcasing unique geological formations with intriguing gold-colored dust outlining the edges. Captured during late Martian summer, this image reveals the dynamic processes shaping the Martian landscape.

Astronomy Picture from 26/09/2011

Dry Ice Pits on Mars

Source: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap110926.html


#MarsDefrosting #SpaceExploration #MarsSouthPole #HiRISE #MarsReconnaissanceOrbiter #Cosmology #PlanetaryScience #Astronomy #Space #Science #CO2Ice #Sublimation #MartianSummer